Circuitized substrate with sintered paste connections, multilayered substrate assembly, electrical assembly and information handling system utilizing same

ABSTRACT

A circuitized substrate which includes a high temperature dielectric material in combination with a low temperature conductive paste, the paste including an organic binder component and at least one metallic component. The flakes of the metallic component are sintered to form a conductive path through the dielectric when the dielectric is used as a layer in the substrate.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to organic circuitized substrates andparticularly to those used in multilayered circuit boards, chipcarriers, and the like, and to processes for manufacturing same. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to substrates used in such finalproducts so as to provide same with enhanced connectivity betweenconductive layers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Multilayered printed circuit boards (PCBs), laminate chip carriers, andthe like organic products permit formation of multiple circuits in aminimum volume or space. These typically comprise a stack ofelectrically conductive layers of signal, ground and/or power planes(lines) separated from each other by a layer of organic dielectricmaterial. The lines are often in electrical contact with each other byplated holes passing through the dielectric layers. The plated holes areoften referred to as “vias” if internally located, “blind vias” ifextending a predetermined depth within the board from an externalsurface, or “plated-thru-holes” (PTHs) if extending substantiallythrough the board's full thickness. By the term “thru-hole” as usedherein is meant to include all three types of such board openings.

Conventional methods for fabricating such PCBs, chip carriers and thelike typically comprise fabrication of separate inner-layer circuits(circuitized layers), which are formed by coating a photosensitive layeror film over a copper layer of a copper clad inner layer base material.The organic photosensitive coating is imaged, developed and the exposedcopper is etched to form conductor lines. After etching, thephotosensitive film is stripped from the copper leaving the circuitpattern on the surface of the inner-layer base material. This processingis also referred to as photolithographic processing in the PCB art andfurther description is not deemed necessary. Following the formation ofindividual inner-layer circuits, a multilayer stack is formed bypreparing a lay-up of inner-layers, ground planes, power planes, etc.,typically separated from each other by a dielectric, organic pre-pregtypically comprising a layer of glass (typically fiberglass) clothimpregnated with a partially cured material, typically a B-stage epoxyresin. Such an organic material is also referred to in the industry as“FR-4” dielectric material. The top and bottom outer layers of the stackusually comprise copper clad, glass-filled, epoxy planar substrates withthe copper cladding comprising exterior surfaces of the stack. The stackis laminated to form a monolithic structure using heat and pressure tofully cure the B-stage resin. The stack so formed typically has metal(usually copper) cladding on both of its exterior surfaces. Exteriorcircuit layers are formed in the copper cladding using proceduressimilar to the procedures used to form the inner-layer circuits. Aphotosensitive film is applied to the copper cladding. The coating isexposed to patterned activating radiation and developed. An etchingsolution such as cupric chloride is then used to remove copper bared bythe development of the photosensitive film. Finally, the remainingphotosensitive film is removed to provide the exterior circuit layers.

Electrically conductive thru-holes (or interconnects) are used toelectrically connect individual circuit layers within the structure toeach other and to the outer surfaces and typically pass through all or aportion of the stack. Thru-holes may be formed prior to the formation ofcircuits on the exterior surfaces by drilling holes through the stack atappropriate locations. Alternatively, such holes may be formed withinthe individual circuitized layers prior to incorporation within themulti-layered structure and final lamination thereof. In both methods,the bare hole walls are usually subjected to at least one pre-treatmentstep after which the walls are catalyzed by contact with a platingcatalyst and metallized, typically by contact with an electro-less orelectrolytic copper plating solution. If the thru-holes are PTHS,interconnections are thus formed between selected ones of thecircuitized layers of the multilayered final product which have one ormore conductive lines or elements in contact with the inner conductivelayer of the PTHS. If the thru-holes are individually formed withinselected layers and then coupled to one another during product stacking,connectivity is accomplished preferably using a conductive paste or thelike. Such pastes are known to include a highly conductive metal such assilver in the form of flakes. Following formation of the conductivethru-holes in multilayered structures such as PCBS in which thethru-holes are provided as PTHS, exterior circuits (outer-layers) areformed using the procedure described above. Such external formation mayalso occur when stacking layers already having thru-holes formedtherein, albeit it is possible to form the two outer conductive layersprior to stacking and lamination.

After construction, chips and/or other electrical components are mountedat appropriate locations on the exterior circuit layers of themultilayered stack. In some examples, such components are mounted andelectrically coupled using solder ball technology, one form of which isreferred to in the industry as ball grid array (BGA) technology. ForPCBS, these components may include capacitors, resistors, and even chipcarriers. For chip carriers having multilayered substrates, a chip isoften solder bonded to the carrier laminate substrate's upper surfaceand the carrier is in turn solder bonded to an underlying substrate,typically a PCB. In either form (PCB or chip carrier), the componentsare in electrical contact with the circuits within the structure throughthe conductive thru-holes, as desired. The solder pads are typicallyformed by coating an organic solder mask coating over the exteriorcircuit layers. The solder mask may be applied by screen coating aliquid solder mask coating material over the surface of the exteriorcircuit layers using a screen having openings defining areas wheresolder mount pads are to be formed. Alternatively, a photoimageablesolder mask may be coated onto the exterior surfaces and exposed anddeveloped to yield an array of openings defining the pads. The openingsare then coated with solder using processes known to the art such aswave soldering. Examples of organic products such as defined above areshown in the patents listed below, as are substrates of the non-organic(ceramic) type.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,828,514, issued Dec. 07, 2004, there is defined amultilayered PCB including two multilayered portions, one of these ableto electrically connect electronic components mounted on the PCB toassure high frequency connections there-between. The PCB furtherincludes a conventional PCB portion to reduce costs while assuring astructure having a satisfactory overall thickness for use in the PCBfield. Coupling is also possible to the internal portion from thesecomponents. This patent is assigned to the same Assignee as the instantinvention.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,815,837, issued Nov. 09, 2004, there is defined anelectronic package (e.g., a chip carrier) and information handlingsystem utilizing same wherein the package substrate includes aninternally conductive layer coupled to an external pad and of a sizesufficiently large enough to substantially prevent cracking, separation,etc. of the pad when the pad is subjected to a predetermined tensilepressure. This patent is also assigned to the same Assignee as theinstant invention.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,809,269, issued Oct. 26, 2004, there is defined acircuitized substrate assembly and method for making same wherein theassembly includes individual circuitized substrates bonded together. Thesubstrates each include at least one opening, only one of which issubstantially filled with a conductive paste prior to bonding. Oncebonded, the paste is also partially located within the other opening toprovide an effective electrical connection therewith. One example of aproduct using this technology is a chip carrier. This patent is alsoassigned to the same Assignee as the instant invention.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,762,496, issued Jul. 13, 2004, there is described asintered aluminum nitride substrate which has a via hole and an internalelectrically conductive layer with, allegedly, high thermal conductivityand high adhesion strength between the sintered aluminum nitridesubstrate and the internal electrically conductive layer or the viahole. The substrate consists of an internal electrically conductivelayer, at least one electrically conductive via hole formed between theinternal electrically conductive layer and at least one surface of thesubstrate, wherein the thermal conductivity of the aluminum nitridesintering product at 25 degrees Celsius (C.) is described as being 190W/mK or more, with a corresponding adhesion strength between thealuminum nitride sintering product and the internal electricallyconductive layer also mentioned.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,641,898, issued Nov. 4, 2003, there is described aheated and pressed printed wiring board which is made by filling “via”holes formed in layers of insulating film of the wiring board with aninterlayer conducting material. The insulating film is stacked withconductor patterns, and each conductor pattern closes a hole. Theinterlayer conducting material forms a solid conducting material in theholes after a heating a pressing procedure. The solid conductingmaterial includes two types of conducting materials. The first type ofconducting material includes a metal, and the second type of conductivematerial includes an alloy formed by the metal and conductor metal ofthe conductor patterns. The first type of conducting material includesindium particles, tin and silver wherein tin accounts for approximately20-80 weight percentage of the solid conductive material, and the secondtype of conducting material includes an alloy comprised of the solidconductive material and the conductor metal. The conductor patterns areelectrically connected reliably without relying on mere mechanicalcontact.

In Published Patent Application 2002/0050586, issued May 02, 2002, thereis described an electro-conductive paste for use in making ceramicsubstrates containing from about 5 to 18 percent by weight of an organicvehicle consisting of a solvent and a binder, from about 80 to 93percent by weight of an electro-conductive metal powder in a sphericalor granular shape and with a particle diameter in the range of about 0.1to 50 microns, and from about 2 to 10 percent by weight of a resinpowder with a particle diameter in the range of about 0.1 to 50 micronswhich is insoluble in the solvent and has a low level of waterabsorption. This paste may be used for forming via hole conductors to beconverted to external electrode terminals for the resulting ceramicproducts.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,708, issued Sep. 19, 2000, there is described aconductive paste for forming via-holes in a ceramic substrate, whichpaste contains about 80-94 weight percentage spherical or granularconductive metal powder having a particle size of about 0.1-50 microns,1-10 weight percentage resin powder which swells in a solvent containedin the conductive paste and has a particle size of about 0.1-40 microns,and about 5-19 weight percentage of an organic vehicle. The pasteallegedly hardly generates cracks during firing to thereby attainexcellent reliability in electric conduction and which can provide avia-hole or through hole having excellent solderability and platabilityin a ceramic substrate structure.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,891,283, issued Apr. 6, 1999, there is described aconductive paste for use in forming ceramic substrates in which thecomposition consists of an organic vehicle, copper powder and anorgano-metallic resinate which includes, as the metal, at least onemetal selected from the group consisting of Pt, Ni and Bi. The amount ofthe metal component in the organo-metallic resinate is in the range ofabout 0.1 to 5 weight percentage with respect to the total amount of thecopper power and the metal component. The copper powder has preferablyan average diameter in the range of about 2 to 30 microns.

Complexity of the above organic products (those including organicdielectric layers, including the aforementioned PCBS and laminate chipcarriers) has increased significantly over the past few years,especially as such products increase in demand over those of the ceramicvariety. For example, PCBs for mainframe computers may have as many asthirty-six layers of circuitry or more, with the complete stack having athickness of as much as about 0.250 inch (250 mils). Laminate chipcarriers, in turn, may have as many as fifteen circuit layers as partthereof. Such organic products are known with three or five mil (a milbeing one thousandth of an inch) wide signal lines and twelve mildiameter thru-holes, but for increased circuit densification in many oftoday's products, the industry is attempting to reduce signal lines to awidth of two mils or less and thru-hole diameters to two mils or less.Such high densification understandably mandates the most efficient meansof interconnecting the respective layers in the smallest space availableand using the best materials possible. As defined herein, the presentinvention is able to accomplish this.

It is believed that a circuitized substrate having organic dielectricmaterial as part thereof which is able to provide enhancedinterconnection between various conductive portions (e.g., layers)thereof would constitute a significant advancement in the art. It isfurther believed that a method of making same, as well as an electronicassembly and an information handling system using same would constitutea significant art advancement.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, a primary object of the invention to enhance thecircuitized substrate art.

It is another object of the invention to provide a circuitized substratehaving a new and unique conductive medium in the form of a conductivepaste to thus assure an enhanced electrical connection betweenelectrical elements which come in physical contact with the paste.

It is another object of the invention to provide a multilayeredcircuitized substrate assembly including two or more substrates bondedtogether to form a larger structure which can be used, e.g., as a PCB orchip carrier.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide an electricalassembly adapted for utilizing the circuitized substrate defined hereinas part thereof.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide an informationhandling system adapted for utilizing the circuitized substrate definedherein as part thereof.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided acircuitized substrate including at least one high temperature dielectriclayer having first and second opposing surfaces, at least one openingwithin the at least one high temperature dielectric layer extending fromthe first opposing surface to the second opposing surface, and aquantity of low temperature conductive paste positioned within the atleast one opening and including an organic binder component and at leastone metallic component including a plurality of flakes, the flakes beingsintered and of such density within the paste so as to form at least oneelectrical path through the paste from the first opposing surface to thesecond opposing surface.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided amultilayered circuitized substrate assembly comprising a firstcircuitized substrate including at least one high temperature dielectriclayer having first and second opposing surfaces, at least one openingwithin the at least one high temperature dielectric layer extending fromthe first opposing surface to the second opposing surface, and aquantity of low temperature conductive paste positioned within the atleast one opening and including an organic binder component and at leastone metallic component including a plurality of flakes, these flakesbeing sintered and of such density so as to form at least one electricalpath through the paste from the first opposing surface to the secondopposing surface. The assembly further comprises a second circuitizedsubstrate also including at least one high temperature dielectric layerhaving first and second opposing surfaces, but including also at leastone conductive layer on the first opposing surface, the first and secondcircuitized substrates being bonded together such that the lowtemperature conductive paste within the at least one opening of thefirst circuitized substrate is electrically coupled to the at least oneconductive layer of the second circuitized substrate.

According to still another aspect of the invention, there is providedelectrical assembly comprising a first circuitized substrate includingat least one high temperature dielectric layer having first and secondopposing surfaces, at least one opening within the at least one hightemperature dielectric layer extending from the first opposing surfaceto the second opposing surface, and a quantity of low temperatureconductive paste positioned within the at least one opening andincluding an organic binder component and at least one metalliccomponent including a plurality of flakes. The flakes are sintered andof such density within the paste that these form at least one electricalpath through the paste from the first opposing surface to the secondopposing surface. The assembly also includes at least one electricalcomponent electrically coupled to the low temperature conductive paste.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided aninformation handling system comprising a housing, a circuitizedsubstrate positioned within the housing and including at least one hightemperature dielectric layer having first and second opposing surfaces,at least one opening within the at least one high temperature dielectriclayer extending from the first opposing surface to the second opposingsurface, and a quantity of low temperature conductive paste positionedwithin the at least one opening and including an organic bindercomponent and at least one metallic component including a plurality offlakes, these flakes being sintered and of such density so as to form atleast one electrical path through the paste from the first opposingsurface to the second opposing surface. The system also includes atleast one electrical component electrically coupled to the lowtemperature conductive paste.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-5 are side elevational views, in section, showing the steps ofmaking a circuitized substrate according to one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 6 is an exploded, side elevational view, in section, showing thevarious parts of a multilayered circuitized substrate assembly accordingto one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a side view of two examples of electrical assemblies which canutilize the circuitized substrates of the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an information handling system adaptedfor using at least one circuitized substrate of the invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

For a better understanding of the present invention, together with otherand further objects, advantages and capabilities thereof, reference ismade to the following disclosure and appended claims in connection withthe above-described drawings. Like figure numbers will be used from FIG.to FIG. to identify like elements in these drawings.

The broadest definition of the term “circuitized substrate” as usedherein is meant to include a substrate having at least one (andpreferably more) dielectric layer(s) and at least one (and preferablymore) opening(s) therein extending through the dielectric layerthickness with a quantity of conductive paste therein. In an alternativeembodiment, the opening can be a thru-hole (as defined above) such as aPTH with the paste therein. In a still further embodiment, the substrateas so defined may further include one or more conductive layers as partthereof. Known examples of substrates such as those described in one ormore of the foregoing patents typically include PCBS or chip carrierswith several dielectric layers made of one or more of the followingdielectric materials: fiberglass-reinforced epoxy resin (“FR-4”),polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), polyimide, polyamide, cyanate resin,photo-imageable material, and other like materials. These knownstructures include several conductive layers each being a metal layer(e.g., power, signal and/or ground) comprised of suitable metallurgicalmaterials such as copper, but may include or comprise additional metals(e.g., nickel, aluminum, etc.) or alloys thereof. Further examples willbe described in greater detail herein-below. An example of aparticularly useful photo-imageable dielectric is ASMDF (AdvancedSoldermask Dry Film). This composition, which is further described inU.S. Pat. No 5,026,624, which issued Jun. 25, 1991, and U.S. Pat. No.5,300,402, which issued Apr. 25, 1994, includes a solids content of fromabout 86.5 to about 89%, such solids comprising: about 27.44% PKHC, aphenoxy resin; 41.16% of Epirez 5183, a tetrabromobisphenol A; 22.88% ofEpirez SU-8, an octafunctional epoxy bisphenol A formaldehyde novolacresin; 4.85% UVE 1014 photo-initiator; 0.07% ethylviolet dye; 0.03% FC430, a fluorinated polyether nonionic surfactant from 3M Company; 3.85%Aerosil 380, an amorphous silicon dioxide from Degussa to provide thesolid content. A solvent is present from about 11 to about 13.5% of thetotal photo-imageable dielectric composition. As defined herein, thepresent invention represents a departure from the use of many such knownmaterials by providing a substrate which includes at least one (andpossibly more) dielectric layer(s) which is referred to as being a hightemperature dielectric layer. By the term “high temperature” whendefining a dielectric layer as used herein is meant such a layer whichcan withstand temperatures greater than about 350 degrees C. for a timeperiod long enough to enable successful lamination of the layer withother layers/substrates to occur, usually a period of about two hours,without the dielectric material breaking down into low molecular weightfragments. One example of such material known today is sold under theproduct name “RO2800” by Rogers Corporation, Rogers, Conn. “RO2800” is atrademark of the Rogers Corporation.

By the term “conductive paste” as used herein is meant an electricallyconductive paste composition adapted for use in holes or openings ofsubstrates and including at least one organic binder component and atleast one metallic component. By the term “low temperature” as usedherein when defining conductive pastes is meant a paste wherein theorganic binder breaks down into low molecular weight fragments at atemperature greater than about 330 degrees C. This temperature isunderstood to be below the above temperature the invention's dielectricmaterial is able to withstand for the defined period during lamination.At least one example of such a conductive paste is presented below.

By the term “electrical assembly” is meant at least one circuitizedsubstrate as defined herein in combination with at least one electricalcomponent (defined below) electrically coupled thereto and forming partof the assembly. Examples of known such assemblies include chip carrierswhich include a semiconductor chip as the electrical component, the chipusually positioned on the substrate and coupled to wiring (e.g., pads)on the substrate's outer surface or to internal conductors using one ormore thru-holes. Another example is a printed circuit board, albeit ifusing the teachings of this invention, such a structure will includetypically one such circuitized substrate in combination with at leastone additional substrate having, e.g., two or more conductive layers andthru-holes therein, the resulting structure in turn including one ormore electrical components coupled thereto. Further definition isprovided below.

By the term “electrical component” as used herein is meant componentssuch as semiconductor chips and the like which are adapted for beingpositioned on the external conductive surfaces of circuitized substratesand electrically coupled to the substrate for passing signals from thecomponent into the substrate whereupon such signals may be passed on toother components, including those mounted also on the substrate, as wellas other components such as those of a larger electrical system whichthe substrate forms part of.

By the term “information handling system” as used herein shall mean anyinstrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities primarily designed tocompute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate,switch, store, display, manifest, measure, detect, record, reproduce,handle or utilize any form of information, intelligence or data forbusiness, scientific, control or other purposes. Examples includepersonal computers and larger processors such as servers, mainframes,etc.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate the steps of making a circuitized substrateaccording to one aspect of the invention. In FIG. 1, a conductive layer21, preferably a copper sheet, is etched (e.g., using an etchingsolution including cupric chloride) to define a plurality of openings 23therein. Although only two openings are depicted in FIG. 1, this ismeant to be representative only. In one example, a total of 2500openings may be provided within a rectangular layer having dimensions ofabout 52.5 millimeters (mm) wide by about 52.5 mm long, and a thicknessof about 0.0356 mm. Openings 23, in the embodiment shown here, are meantto form “clearance” openings in the finished substrate, such thatconductive openings (defined below) may be formed within the substrateand extend through the substrate without electrically contacting theconductive layer 21. “Clearance” openings are known in the PCB art andfurther definition is not deemed necessary.

As shown in FIG. 2, layer 21 is then aligned with opposing dielectriclayers 25 and 25′, in addition to opposing conductive layers 27 and 27′.Layers 27 and 27′ are also preferably copper and may possess the samedimensions as layer 21, although the thickness of said layers may bedifferent than that of layer 21, with one example of such thicknessbeing about 0.012 mm. Significantly, each of the dielectric layers 25and 25′ is a high temperature dielectric layer, meaning that each canwithstand temperatures greater than about 350 degrees C. for a timeperiod long enough to enable successful lamination of the layers withother elements which are to form the substrate, or, in one embodiment, amultilayered substrate assembly comprised of two or more substrateslaminated together. A preferred example of such material known today isthe aforementioned “RO2800” dielectric material sold by RogersCorporation “RO2800” is a polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) compositematerial having a low dielectric constant and includes fused silica asone of the composition elements. It is rated with 0% water solubilityand has a specific gravity of 2.1. Each layer 25 and 25′ includes aninitial thickness of about 0.05 mm. The aligned subassembly of FIG. 2 isnow laminated together to form a “sandwich”, as now seen in FIG. 3.Conventional lamination processing and equipment may be used. In oneexample, the five layers shown in FIG. 2 may be laminated at atemperature of about 365 degrees C. using a pressure of about 2000pounds per square inch (PSI) for a time period of about 125 minutes.

The resulting laminated structure 31 is shown in FIG. 3. When compressedfrom layers having the above initial thickness dimensions, the laminatedstructure 31 of FIG. 3 will possess a total thickness of about 0.160 mm.After lamination, a plurality of openings 33 are formed within structure31, preferably using a laser or mechanical drills. In one example, atotal of 5600 openings may be provided, each preferably having adiameter of about 0.050 mm. It is noted that the dielectric material oflayers 25 and 25′ has extended within the clearance openings 23 as aresult of the lamination step, such that this material now forms theside walls of the portion of the openings 33 located within layer 21.Further, it is noted that openings 23 have the conductive material oflayers 27 and 27′ for the walls in the outer portions of the laminatedstructure. FIG. 3 also shows that an opening 33 is formed within thestructure at a location distant from the openings 23 such that theopening (to the right in FIG. 3) will physically contact layer 21. Thus,this particular opening 33 will include side walls of conductivematerial at layer 21, unlike the other two openings to the left in FIG.3. As explained below, this represents an alternative means of providingelectrical coupling of selected elements of the invention.

In FIG. 4, each of the openings 33 is plated, preferably with copper, toform inner conductive layers 35. A preferred method of accomplishingthis is to use a “flash” plating of electro-less copper. This platingprocess is typically comprised of four operations: cleaning; activation;acceleration; and deposition. During the cleaning phase, organiccontaminants are removed from exposed metal surfaces. Activationincludes a dip in a catalyst bath typically including hydrochloric acidand possibly tin or sodium chloride, and activation in a bath ofhydrochloric acid, tin chloride and palladium chloride. The tin (Sn+2)ion reduces the palladium (Pd+2) to palladium, which is deposited on thesubstrate. Remaining Sn+2 and Sn+4 are selectively removed by anaccelerator such as fluoboric or sulfuric acid with hydrazine. Keyelements of the electro-less copper chemistry include sodium hydroxide,formaldehyde, EDTA (or other chelater) and a copper salt. During thecomplex reaction with the palladium as a catalyst, the formaldehydereduces the copper ions to metallic copper. Each layer 35 has athickness of only about 0.001 mm. It is seen in FIG. 4 that the platedopening to the right is electrically coupled to inner layer 21 becausethe plating is deposited on the exposed areas of layer 21. The platingof the other two openings to the left in FIG. 4 are in contact with thedefined dielectric material of layers 25 and 25′ in addition to theouter conductive layers 27 and 27′. The right opening 33 is also incontact with the outer conductive layers 27 and 27′. It is to beunderstood that forming plated layers 35 is an optional step in forminga substrate as defined herein, but is preferred to further assure soundconductive paths in these portions of the structure.

The next step, as also shown in FIG. 4, involves the deposition ofconductive paste 41 within each of the plated openings. Such depositionmay be accomplished using screen coating techniques or using a needledispenser. Significantly, the conductive paste is a low temperaturepaste meaning that the organic binder component which forms part of thepaste composition breaks down into low molecular weight fragments at atemperature greater than about 330 degrees C. This temperature isunderstood to be below the above temperature the above-defineddielectric material is able to withstand during the periods duringlamination defined herein. As such, the metallic component (preferablysilver flakes) becomes sintered during the lamination process as aresult of the high temperature of same. The sintering in turn forms anenhanced outer conductive layer on the silver flakes such that, when inthe density associated with such a paste composition, will form severalelectrical paths through the paste and thus effectively interconnectconductive elements such as circuit pads or lines in the manner taughtherein. Other metallic components for the conductive paste of theinvention include copper and aluminum. In one embodiment of theinvention, a conductive paste sold under the product name “DA-5915” byEngineered Materials Systems of Delaware, Ohio, may be used. This pasteincludes about eighty-eight percent by weight silver flakes and abouttwelve percent by weight of an anhydride epoxide as the organic binder,and is described as having a decomposition temperature of approximately340 degrees C., which, when considering the above dielectric material,is about ten degrees C less than the 350 degrees C. temperature thedielectric can withstand during lamination. Sintering of the silverflakes will thus occur without dielectric material decomposition (breakdown) during lamination when the structure taught herein is bonded(laminated) together with other elements to form a multilayeredcircuitized substrate assembly, defined in greater detail in FIG. 6below.

In FIG. 5, the structure of FIG. 4 is now subjected to an etching stepin which all of the external metal of layers 27 and 27′ is removed, inaddition to the upper and lower portions of the plated layers of theopenings which were in contact with layers 27 and 27′. Projectingportions of conductive paste 41 remain, as shown. The structure shown inFIG. 5 is thus a circuitized substrate in the broadest sense of theinvention, meaning that it includes at least one layer of hightemperature dielectric with at least one opening having a lowtemperature conductive paste therein. This substrate is thus able toprovide a plurality of electrical connections through the paste usingthe sintered electrical paths formed within the paste when the paste isfinally sintered (e.g., when the FIG. 5 structure is laminated togetherwith other substrates as defined below). These paths understandably run,at a minimum, from the upper surface to the lower surface of thestructure, and thus the length of each opening since the paste fullyoccupies each opening. Such a connection may occur in less than the fulllength should the openings each have the defined plated layers thereinand less than a full length of paste is used. Preferably, however, thepaste of the invention fully occupies each opening, and, when thestructure is as shown as in FIG. 5, projects a small distance from theexternal surfaces in the manner indicated.

FIG. 6 represents one example of a multilayered circuitized substrateassembly 51 according to one embodiment of the invention. Assembly 51utilizes the circuitized substrate of FIG. 5 as an interconnector toelectrically couple two opposing substrates 53 and 55. Each substrate 53and 55 may include at least one dielectric layer 57 (preferably two,including a second layer 57′) with at least one conductive layer 61(preferably two additional outer conductive layers 63 and 63′ for each,one or both of these added layers being in the form of a signal layerhaving a plurality of signal lines (traces) 65 as part thereof. Thedielectric material for each of the dielectric layers of the substrates53 and 55 is also a high temperature dielectric and preferably the samematerial as that used for layers 25 and 25′ of the interconnectingsubstrate defined above. Substrates 53 and 55 may also include aplurality of thru-holes, including in the form of a PTH 71 or a “blind”via 71′, for being electrically coupled to designated conductiveelements of the substrates. The three substrates shown in FIG. 6 arealigned to assure subsequent electrical connection between correspondingconductive elements (especially between the projecting paste 41 segmentsand corresponding, facing conductive elements of the opposingsubstrates). For example, the paste 41 to the right of substrate 31 isshown to align with the corresponding lower conductive pad 65 on theundersurface of upper substrate 53, while the lower projecting segmentof this same paste is aligned to connect to the upper conductive portionof a “blind” via (thru-hole) 71′ located on the upper surface of thelower substrate 55. A sound electrical path is thus formed between pad65 on upper substrate 53 and the inner conductive layer 61 of lowersubstrate 55 when the three substrates of FIG. 6 are laminated together.Several other electrical paths are readily discernible from thestructure formed using these three substrates and further description isnot considered necessary.

Lamination of the three substrates of FIG. 6 is accomplished usingconventional lamination equipment. In one embodiment, lamination isaccomplished at a pressure within the range of from about 1700 PSI toabout 2300 PSI for a total time period of about 300 minutes (3 hours).During this time period, the lamination temperature is raised from aninitial ambient temperature of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit (F) to about688 degrees F. in about 45 minutes and held at said elevated temperaturefor a period of about 125 minutes. The temperature is then decreased toabout 500 degrees F. over a time period of about 100 minutes and then toa temperature of about 350 degrees F. over a period of the remainingminutes in the total time period defined above, after which it isdropped to the initial ambient temperature. This lamination procedure isdeemed successful when laminating the substrates having the dielectricmaterial and conductive paste defined above. Other temperatures, timesand pressures will likely be required for alternative materials.

The three substrate embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is representative onlyand not meant to limit the invention. It is within the scope of thisinvention to combine several additional substrates, including utilizingtwo or more interconnecting substrates as shown in FIG. 5 in combinationwith four or more substrates of the type represented by substrates 53and 55, to form other multilayered assemblies having many additionalconductive layers and thus operational capabilities. These additionalsubstrates may be, understandably, also formed using the uniquemethodology taught herein. For example, substrate 53 may be formed bylaminating two high temperature dielectric layers onto the interimconductive layer 61 (following clearance opening formation, if desired)and the thru-holes 71 and 71′ then formed to the desired depths asshown. The outer circuit layers can be formed using conventionalphotolithographic processing known in the PCB art in which an outercopper layer is covered with a suitable photo-resist, the resist isdeveloped to expose a pattern, and the structure is then etched toremove undersired (exposed) copper to produce the desired pattern. Suchprocessing is known, as stated, and further explanation is notconsidered necessary.

FIG. 7 represents examples of the multilayered circuitized substrateassemblies as taught herein in use within a larger electronic assembly103. One assembly, referenced by the numeral 105, may form part of alarger chip carrier assembly 106, while the assembly represented by thenumeral 107 may be a PCB, designed to have carrier assembly 106positioned thereon and electrically coupled thereto. Therefore, each ofthe assemblies as taught herein may function in combination with othersuch assemblies and thus provide the enhanced connections taught hereinfor a much larger structure. Understandably, each assembly includes oneor more of the circuitized substrates taught herein. For example, thesubstrate assembly 105 for carrier 106 may be of the construction of theassembly formed in FIG. 6. In the embodiment (assembly) of FIG. 7, theassembly 105 of chip carrier 106 is preferably mounted on andelectrically coupled to PCB 107 using a plurality of solder balls 95′(preferably of conventional tin-lead composition), the chip carrier 106in turn having a semiconductor chip 109 positioned thereon andelectrically coupled to the upper portion of assembly 105 using a secondplurality of solder balls 95″ (also preferably of conventional tin-leadcomposition). In both cases, the outer pads (i.e., pads 65) may functionas solder pads designed for having a solder ball positioned thereon andreflowed once in position. The upper pads of underlying PCB may providea similar function to accommodate solder balls 95′. The chip carrierassembly 106 may also include a heat sink 110 thermally coupled to thechip 109, e.g., using a conductive paste 111, and positioned on theupper surface of the carrier by appropriate standoffs 113, as is knownin the art. It is also within the scope of those skilled in the art toutilize an encapsulant material (not shown) to substantially encase thechip and also to possibly eliminate the need for the heat sink if suchan encapsulant material is used. Encapsulant material is also possibleabout the lower pluralities of solder balls 95′. It is even furtherwithin the scope of the invention to couple chip 109 using conventionalwire-bonding in which a plurality of fine wires (not shown) are bondedbetween chip conductor sites and corresponding conductor pads on theunderlying substrate.

In FIG. 8, there is shown an information handling system 121 which ispreferably a personal computer, a mainframe computer or a computerserver. Other types of information handling systems known in the art ofthis type may also utilize the teachings of this invention. Thecircuitized substrate assemblies as formed in accordance with theteachings herein may be utilized in the system 121 as a PCB 107 (shownhidden) and/or a chip carrier 106 (also shown hidden). The circuitizedsubstrate assemblies may be utilized as a mother board in system 121 oras one or more individual PCBs typically utilized in such systems. As isknown, systems 121 are usually contained within a suitable metal orinsulative housing such as shown by the numeral 123, with appropriateventing (if desired) therein, as well as instrumentation externallyaccessible for system operation by the system's designated operator. Theremaining elements of information handling systems of these types areknown in the art and further description is not believed necessary.

Thus there has been shown and described a circuitized substrate in whichhighly effective electrical connections are made possible through theuse of sintered metallic elements which form part of a low temperatureconductive paste located within, significantly, a high temperaturedielectric material. Various embodiments of such substrates may becombined together to form a larger, multilayered substrate assemblywhich can be utilized in such electronic structures as informationhandling systems. Such systems are thus able to benefit by the unique,advantageous features of this invention.

While there have been shown and described what are at present consideredthe preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be obvious to thoseskilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be madetherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined bythe appended claims. The invention as defined herein is capable oftransmitting both regular and high speed (frequency) signals, the latterat a rate of from about one Gigabits/sec to about ten Gigabits/second,while substantially preventing impedance disruption. It is also capableof being produced using many conventional PCB processes so as to assurereduced cost and facilitate ease of manufacture. That is, the preferredmethod for assembling the circuitized substrate of the inventionpreferably involves the use of conventional lamination processes as partof the method, modified as taught herein, in which the high temperaturedielectric layers, having the designated circuitry and/or conductiveelements (planes) thereon or within, are “stacked up” in aligned mannerwith one another and subjected to relatively high pressures andtemperatures for the taught time periods.

1. A circuitized substrate comprising: at least one high temperaturedielectric layer having first and second opposing surfaces; at least oneopening within said at least one high temperature dielectric layerextending from said first opposing surface to said second opposingsurface; and a quantity of low temperature conductive paste positionedwithin said at least one opening and including an organic bindercomponent and at least one metallic component including a plurality offlakes, said flakes being sintered and of such density within said pasteso as to form at least one electrical path through said paste from saidfirst opposing surface to said second opposing surface.
 2. Thecircuitized substrate of claim 1 in which said at least one hightemperature dielectric layer is comprised of a PTFE composite material.3. The circuitized substrate of claim 1 wherein said organic binder is aresin.
 4. The circuitized substrate of claim 3 wherein said resin is ananhydride epoxide.
 5. The circuitized substrate of claim 1 wherein saidat least one metallic component is selected from the group consisting ofsilver, copper and aluminum.
 6. A multilayered circuitized substrateassembly comprising: a first circuitized substrate including at leastone high temperature dielectric layer having first and second opposingsurfaces, at least one opening within said at least one high temperaturedielectric layer extending from said first opposing surface to saidsecond opposing surface, and a quantity of low temperature conductivepaste positioned within said at least one opening and including anorganic binder component and at least one metallic component including aplurality of flakes, said flakes being sintered and of such densitywithin said paste so as to form at least one electrical path throughsaid paste from said first opposing surface to said second opposingsurface; and a second circuitized substrate including at least one hightemperature dielectric layer having first and second opposing surfacesand at least one conductive layer on said first opposing surface, saidfirst and second circuitized substrates being bonded together such thatsaid low temperature conductive paste within said at least one openingof said first circuitized substrate is electrically coupled to said atleast one conductive layer of said second circuitized substrate.
 7. Themultilayered circuitized substrate assembly of claim 6 in which said atleast one high temperature dielectric layer of each of said first andsecond circuitized substrates is comprised of a PTFE composite material.8. The multilayered circuitized substrate assembly of claim 6 whereinsaid organic binder of said conductive paste within said opening of saidfirst circuitized substrate is a resin.
 9. The multilayered circuitizedsubstrate assembly of claim 8 wherein said resin is an anhydrideepoxide.
 10. The multilayered circuitized substrate assembly of claim 6wherein said at least one metallic component of said conductive pastewithin said opening of said first circuitized substrate is selected fromthe group consisting of silver, copper and aluminum.
 11. Themultilayered circuitized substrate assembly of claim 6 wherein saidsecond circuitized substrate includes at least one thru-hole thereinelectrically coupled to said at least one conductive layer, saidconductive paste being electrically coupled to said at least onethru-hole.
 12. The multilayered circuitized substrate assembly of claim6 further including a third circuitized substrate having at least onehigh temperature dielectric layer having first and second opposingsurfaces and at least one conductive layer on said second opposingsurface, said third circuitized substrate being bonded to said firstcircuitized substrate such that said low temperature conductive pastewithin said at least one opening of said first circuitized substrate iselectrically coupled to said at least one conductive layer of said thirdcircuitized substrate so as to electrically couple said at least oneconductive layer of said second circuitized substrate with said at leastone conductive layer of said third circuitized substrate.
 13. Anelectrical assembly comprising: a first circuitized substrate includingat least one high temperature dielectric layer having first and secondopposing surfaces, at least one opening within said at least one hightemperature dielectric layer extending from said first opposing surfaceto said second opposing surface, and a quantity of low temperatureconductive paste positioned within said at least one opening andincluding an organic binder component and at least one metalliccomponent including a plurality of flakes, said flakes being sinteredand of such density within said paste so as to form at least oneelectrical path through said paste from said first opposing surface tosaid second opposing surface; and at least one electrical componentelectrically coupled to said low temperature conductive paste.
 14. Theelectrical assembly of claim 13 wherein said at least one electricalcomponent is a semiconductor chip.
 15. The electrical assembly of claim13 wherein said at least one electrical component is a chip carrierhaving at least one semiconductor chip as part thereof.
 16. Aninformation handling system comprising: a housing; a circuitizedsubstrate positioned within said housing and including at least one hightemperature dielectric layer having first and second opposing surfaces,at least one opening within said at least one high temperaturedielectric layer extending from said first opposing surface to saidsecond opposing surface, and a quantity of low temperature conductivepaste positioned within said at least one opening and including anorganic binder component and at least one metallic component including aplurality of flakes, said flakes being sintered and of such densitywithin said paste so as to form at least one electrical path throughsaid paste from said first opposing surface to said second opposingsurface; and at least one electrical component electrically coupled tosaid low temperature conductive paste.
 17. The invention of claim 16wherein said information handling system comprises a personal computer.18. The invention of claim 16 wherein said information handling systemcomprises a mainframe computer.
 19. The invention of claim 16 whereinsaid information handling system comprises a computer server.